Holy

Martin Marty wrote an article in the Christian Century magazine about the concept of 'holiness' in scripture. He quotes my friend Tom Dozeman who teaches Old Testament and Hebrew at United Theological Seminary. (Tom used to be one of my congregants at Yellow Springs). Tom has recently written a book entitled, Holiness and Ministry: A Biblical Theology of Ordination (Oxford University Press). Dr. Marty quotes Dozeman: "Holiness cannot be equated with God. Rather, holiness acts as an agency of the divine will." Marty makes the point that 'holy' has been used to by Christians to separate themselves from others. But that is not the basic meaning of holiness. Marty quotes Paul Tillich who said that in popular language holiness is "identified with moral perfection." But both Tillich and Rudolf Otto shows us that holiness is not grounded in moral perfection but in a 'separateness' that partakes of transcendence. Jesus is our model. He is the Holy One. In him the Holy condescends and is humbled (Phil. 2.5-11). He does not separate himself from sinners; he touches them and associates with them--eating at table with them. Holiness is redefined by the life of Jesus. In him holiness becomes engaged. It draws nigh. It hugs the dirty. Purity is transformed into love in the ministry of Jesus. To be holy now means to be in touch with the dirty and the impure. It's scandalous. It's Christian.